Without any major surprises, thanks to Annie's impressive performance, they soon got in touch with that woman, Clete. With her welcoming them and the others gathering around, the three of them made their way into the prosperous metropolis that had once been a certain earl's domain and was now known as the City of Holy Light.
Then, in that familiar city, Guts saw quite a few people he knew.
For instance, there was Farnese, the former commander of the Holy Iron Chain Knights, who had once pursued him—and then ended up as his hostage instead.
Of course, besides Farnese, there was also her secretary, Serpico, and Azan, the deputy commander of the Holy Iron Chain Knights, among others. Now, though, they had all become residents of the City of Holy Light and had chosen to stay.
Apparently, after the tower collapsed, they had come here with a large group of refugees who had likewise been drawn to the Holy Light. After meeting Clete, they had never wanted to leave.
But none of that mattered!
That evening, when the banquet began, Guts hesitantly and somewhat awkwardly explained why he had come and proposed forming an Army of the Light. Clete agreed without a second thought. Ignoring everyone present who objected, she immediately announced that from then on, Guts would be the City of Holy Light's lord paladin and its commander-in-chief.
"..."
Seeing things go so smoothly, contrary to his expectations, Guts was left stunned for a long while. He could only sit glumly in his seat and watch the officers argue heatedly with Clete.
"Um..."
"Hey!"
"Clete?"
"Can you really make a decision like that?"
Seeing how easily they had accomplished their goal—and noticing the officers' varied expressions after their argument—witch Schierke felt things had gone far too smoothly. So, once